BBC's Andrew Marr suffers a stroke

Broadcaster Andrew Marr is recovering in hospital after suffering a stroke, according to the BBC.

The journalist and television presenter was taken ill on Tuesday, said the corporation.

The BBC said in a statement: "Andrew Marr was taken ill yesterday and taken to hospital. The hospital confirmed he has had a stroke.

"His doctors say he is responding to treatment. His family have asked for their privacy to be respected as he recovers.

"We will continue to broadcast The Andrew Marr Show and Radio 4's Start The Week with guest presenters in his absence.

"His colleagues and the whole BBC wish him a speedy recovery."

Marr, 53, is the corporation's former political editor. He began his career as a newspaper reporter, becoming the editor of the Independent before turning to television.

He has also presented a number of history programmes along with his politics show and has had five books published.

In May 2011 it emerged that he had taken out a super-injunction to prevent the reporting of an affair.

He won a High Court order in January 2008 to silence the press following his extra-marital affair with another national newspaper reporter. He admitted he had taken the step as he said he felt "uneasy" about it as a journalist.